From Arsenal to the Ball God

Ma’el hadn’t had a chance to answer when she tilted her head, brushing her hair with her right hand, and said, ”So what do you think of my appearance?”

”Very good.” His heart suddenly felt a little stirred, and he turned to take a sip of soda.

”Haha...”

Isabella laughed happily. After waiting a while and seeing Ma’el not reacting, she stood up, picked up her bag, and walked merrily, ”Ma’el, there’s still a match the day after tomorrow, so I won’t disturb you and let you sleep late.

”Staying alone in London is no fun, just call me anytime, and your sister will definitely keep you company.”

...

On December 31st, the final battle of the half-season arrived, with Arsenal set to face Sheffield United away.

Sheffield City, in front of the hotel, countless Sheffield United fans were eagerly waiting for Arsenal’s players to come out.

It wasn’t long before Wenger and his group emerged, and Ma’el’s figure quickly appeared before them.

”Oh.....!” A cheer erupted as fans beat drums, unfurled banners, and loudly chanted Ma’el’s name.

”Ma’el! Here!”

”Kedao’Er, do you still remember me? That pub!”

”At the end of last season, you told me we would win the championship! Kid, here!”

”Ma’el, congratulations on winning the Golden Boy Award! We’re so proud!”

”We’ve done well this season; you finally came back to see us!”

Upon hearing these calls, Ma’el looked into the crowd and quickly spotted several familiar faces.

There was Kedao’Er and fans he remembered from last season; he hadn’t forgotten them..... He stepped forward to hug them.

”Evan! Evan!”

Kedao’Er, seeing Ma’el coming up, excitedly waved his hand to pull over someone about his age, ”Look, I told you my pub had Ma’el endorse it, didn’t you believe it?!”

”I believe, I believe.”

Evan gave a bitter smile, then turned with an excited look toward Ma’el, waving frantically, ”Oh my god! I never thought I could see the new Golden Boy up close!”

Ma’el casually high-fived him, pointed at Kedao’Er, and laughed, ”It was the first endorsement of my life, £4,000, and I signed a hundred autographs that time.”

”Hehe...” Kedao’Er’s face was beaming, feeling a sense of pride in front of his friends, he said to Ma’el, ”Kid, you’ve grown too fast! I’ve watched all your matches!

”You must come back and visit if you have time, I told you before that you’ll get free drinks, but you haven’t come even once.”

Evan gave Kedao’Er a pat, ”Listen to yourself, the player is a big star now, why would he come to your rundown place, don’t say such awkward things.”

Kedao’Er let out an awkward laugh, feeling a bit embarrassed, but he thought more and continued to Ma’el, ”I’ve spent a lot to buy the best seats, today I’ll be cheering for Sheffield United while also cheering for you!”

Ma’el smiled and nodded at him, waving goodbye, ”The bus is leaving soon, I’ll head off first, Mr. Kedao’Er, I’ll visit your bar when I have time.”

”Okay!” Kedao’Er laughed excitedly again, despite being quite old, his emotions were as jumpy as a child’s.

Ma’el boarded the bus, driving through one familiar street after another, seeing one familiar face after another, feeling a sense of nostalgia all the way until he reached beside Bramall Lane Stadium.

Looking at this place, filled with countless memories and joy, he recalled the farewell banners pulled out here at the end of last season..... He couldn’t help but feel emotional.

At that time, he set a goal to make the Emirates Stadium become his stage as well, and for Arsenal fans to be as fervent as Sheffield United’s.

Half a season has passed, and it seems like he successfully achieved half of it... just missing the final championship trophy.

He’s done well, just like he imagined back then, he’s returned here in the best form!

Sheffield United fans would be proud of him!

”Gilbert.”

Ma’el murmured, remembering his best buddy who had been here for another half-year, facing stronger opponents at this stadium every week, and couldn’t help but miss him a bit.

This guy, his playing skills should be pretty good by now, right?

Today’s the time to meet on the field.

Beside him, Van Persie looked at him, thinking about how Sheffield United fans would welcome Ma’el, couldn’t help but say enviously, ”That’s really nice, I guess this time both teams’ fans will be cheering for you together, right?

”Although such a situation is rare, you’ve left them with important honors and too many beautiful memories, I think it’s possible.

”When will I ever be like that, moving between two teams but being liked by the fans of both.”

”Who knows.” Ma’el smiled slightly, not thinking much of it, but remembering something, he turned his head quickly, ”Don’t try to be like me; some things shouldn’t be copied randomly, it might ruin you.”